Starting New Groups

Founding a new mushroom group is not as intimidating as it may seem and we will help you all the way. The Association now includes member groups in most counties of England and Wales. In 2006 we have supported the development of new groups in Hampshire/Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Cornwall as well as providing assistance in East Yorkshire and we shall be carrying out a similar functionin 2007 with a strong focus on Cheshire, Suffolk, Sussex and Surrey. Each of these groups is a fully independent member of the ABFG. The Association functions to serve their interests and they do not carry out their activities for our benefit. Our members are always directed to independent groups. The ABFG, however, is heavily dependent on the modest annual member subscription in order to carry out its work, which includes extending its Public Liability insurance cover to member groups and sponsoring the formation of new groups. So encouraging your new members into the ABFG is important for us.

If you are interested in starting a new mushroom hunting group in you area, this is how we can help:

Discuss the basic needs

Provide you with a full guidance starter pack

Prepare and supply the advertising posters to your specification

Cover the cost of local newspaper advertising

Recruit ABFG members to your new group

Run a launch weekend with you

Run a workshop with you

Sponsor you with a start-up equipment kit

Provide a student microscope subject to membership numbers

ABFG workshops provide for a friendly and relaxed way to learn more of the skills of identifying fungi.